John Hiller is the owner of The Yacht Club Motel at 700 Yturria, is historic Port Isabel, Texas; he want to restore it to its original condition, “It was a speakeasy in 1928 and I am trying to recapture that upper class Old World atmosphere”. He is Passionate about the history he has acquired.
One Change that immediately catches the eye of those familiar with the interior is that the old parlor with it fireplace is back. The light fixtures and the wallpaper evoke memories of every gangster movie you ever saw. And the parlor is part of the Lobby. Gone is the wall that separated it from the front desk.” I want People to feel free to just drop in and relax here and talk”, said John.
“There’s still more to do in this area, the carpet will be replaced with hard wood floors, I would like to hear from people who know what this place looked like when it was new, I found my life’s work here, I don’t really care if I make money with it or not I am doing this just to restore this little piece of history.” John said.

John said “the Yacht Club Motel is open to the public right now, even though the restoration is still underway. He proudly showed a few rooms ready to rent, each one different from the others, but all furnished and decorated in period pieces. Not all the furniture is genuine antiques- a good bit of it is replicated- but as long as a piece fits the atmosphere, and blends with what is already there, I am interested in it”.
“I hope to find someone who will lease or contract to operate the restaurant. No hamburger joint operators, no fast food purveyors. I want the restaurant to be as much like the original as possible. It has to live up to its reputation. Everything has to fit. And I am in no hurry. I have the rest of my life to make this place exactly what I want it to be” says John.
John is doing all the work himself John is a man with tools and he dose know how to use them. John has guest at the historic old inn, during the last biker fest, quite a few participants opted to leave the Island nightlife behind and stay at the Yacht Club. “I had a young couple stay with me last year in July they were here to get married, so I guess they Honeymoon with me at the Old Inn. I have those photos, and I would really enjoy having some of the old Honeymoon photos if people will shear them with me, John said.

When all the work is finished, the Yacht Club will have 22 guest rooms, each with its own individual distinctive décor, but tied in with the Old World atmosphere.
The Yacht Club saw a few Spring and Summer reception last season, and even though the renovation are not completed the old inn is ready to see more parties this year like the Port Isabel Museums fund raiser February 8,2008. The lobby and restaurant area have taken on an appearance that resembles what old – timers have seen before- that original elegance that attracted visitors and then sent them on their way to tell others how well they were treated.
“I didn’t quite know where to begin when I bought it, there was so much to do, and the task ahead of me seemed so immense, that I was a little intimidated, but that not important I just have to take it a piece at a time, and that is want I am doing. I am amazed now, at how much I have accomplished”, said John.
John Hiller may be relative newcomer to town- but already he is making his mark. History buffs, keep your eye on John and His Yacht Club Motel. John said “the Yacht Club Motel is open to the public right now, even though the restoration is still underway. He proudly showed a few rooms ready to rent, each one different from the others, but all furnished and decorated in period pieces. Not all the furniture is genuine antiques- a good bit of it is replicated- but as long as a piece fits the atmosphere, and blends with what is already there, I am interested in it”.
“I hope to find someone who will lease or contract to operate the restaurant. No hamburger joint operators, no fast food purveyors. I want the restaurant to be as much like the original as possible. It has to live up to its reputation. Everything has to fit. And I am in no hurry. I have the rest of my life to make this place exactly what I want it to be” says John.
John is doing all the work himself John is a man with tools and he dose know how to use them. John has guest at the historic old inn, during the last biker fest, quite a few participants opted to leave the Island nightlife behind and stay at the Yacht Club. “I had a young couple stay with me last year in July they were here to get married, so I guess they Honeymoon with me at the Old Inn. I have those photos, and I would really enjoy having some of the old Honeymoon photos if people will shear them with me, John said.
 

When all the work is finished, the Yacht Club will have 22 guest rooms, each with its own individual distinctive décor, but tied in with the Old World atmosphere.
The Yacht Club saw a few Spring and Summer reception last season, and even though the renovation are not completed the old inn is ready to see more parties this year like the Port Isabel Museums fund raiser February 8,2008. The lobby and restaurant area have taken on an appearance that resembles what old – timers have seen before- that original elegance that attracted visitors and then sent them on their way to tell others how well they were treated.
“I didn’t quite know where to begin when I bought it, there was so much to do, and the task ahead of me seemed so immense, that I was a little intimidated, but that not important I just have to take it a piece at a time, and that is want I am doing. I am amazed now, at how much I have accomplished”, said John.
John Hiller may be relative newcomer to town- but already he is making his mark. History buffs, keep your eye on John and His Yacht Club Motel.